not fluent, led, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened last
tracked leader, effort approaching 3 out, ridden last, kept on same pace flat, no impression
in touch, lost place 4th, soon ridden and behind, tailed off
in touch, ridden 2 out, stayed on to chase winner flat, no impression towards finish
mid-division, weakened 4 out, behind when pulled up before last
towards rear, outpaced 4 out, never on terms
mid-division, outpaced after 4 out, soon beaten
held up, always behind
tracked leaders, headway 3 out, led next, ridden and stayed on well flat
mid-division, 6th and one paced when fell 3 out
towards rear, driven and some headway when hampered 3 out, never near leaders
mid-division, outpaced when hampered 3 out, soon weakened
always behind, tailed off 3 out
in rear, lost touch 4 out, pulled up before next
mid-division, headway 4 out, outpaced when hampered next soon weakened
jumped left, in touch, mistake 2nd, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on same pace, no impression
WHISKY MAGIC can defy his penalty but there are some interesting opponents in Steady Tiger, Mamba and Waldo Winchester. Whisky Magic was asked to contest a Grade 2 bumper at Newbury on his debut but failed to cut the mustard and trailed home thirty four lengths behind Mad Max. He didn't reappear until making his hurdling debut at Market Rasen in November and he produced a nice performance to run out a ready winner. This is tougher but he could be useful. Steady Tiger was sent off at odds-on for a Kelso bumper and supporters never had a moments worry as he ran out to score decisively. His trainer reportedly holds him in high regard but the yard is rather quiet at present. Mamba failed to justify favouritism in a Hexham bumper and she can be given an each-way chance if taking to hurdling whilst Waldo Winchester ran his best race by far when ahead of Drever Route over course and distance and has claims if able to build on the run. Crackerjack Lad, Baltic Pathfinder and Best Lover are three more to note but we're happy with Whisky Magic.
Whisky Magic (FR) 11-2 (10-12) Led after 1st, made rest, hit 6th, clear until next, stayed on well from last, won at Market Rasen 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Nov beating Oscar Honey (10-9) by 4l, 9 ran.
Baltic Pathfinder (IRE) 14-1 (10-12) Chased winner until approaching 4th, hit next, one pace from 3 out, 4th of 10, 25l behind Teenage Idol (10-12) at Wetherby 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Bee Sting 14-1 (9-6) Led, quickened up over 2f out, fading when headed inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Boz (9-6) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-90 (3) pol in Oct (Flat).
Best Lover (FR) Great Palm gelding, half-brother to Flat and chase winner Livornesse.
Crackerjack Lad (IRE) 15-2 (10-12) In touch, chased winner 6th to before 3 out, soon weakened, 9th of 11, well behind Mr Woods (10-5) at Ayr 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Executive Xpress 20-1 (10-7) Held up, always towards rear, 7th of 12, 22l behind Fortunate Isle (10-12) at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Quatro Pierji (FR) 8-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, not fluent 4 out, ridden and effort 2 out, soon no impression, 6th of 11, 28l behind Bonikos (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov hdl (3) gd in Nov.
Solis (GER) 16-1 (11-6) Raced keenly, held up in rear, outpaced 4 out, soon weakened and pulled up 2 out in race won by Lie Forrit (11-1) at Ayr 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft, 11 ran.
Steady Tiger (IRE) 8-11fav (11-4) Held up towards rear, smooth headway halfway, led over 3f out, pushed out final furlong, won at Kelso 2m mdn nhf (6) sft in Jan '07 beating Chestnut Charlie (10-11) by 4l, 13 ran.
Waldo Winchester (IRE) 28-1 (10-9) Held up, headway 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on flat, not reached leaders, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Fortunate Isle (10-12) at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Wednesdays Boy (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Mid-division, effort approaching 3 out, weakened next, 9th of 16, 23l behind Bolodenka (10-12) at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Work Boy 125-1 (10-11) Tracked leader on outside, lost place 5th, ridden and weakened after 3 out, 6th of 12, 25l behind Strokestown (11-4) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) hvy.
Amulree 10-1 (10-12) Held up, chased leaders 6f out, weakened over 3f out, 6th of 10, well behind Brackenmoss (11-2) at Hexham 2m mrs nhf (6) hvy in Nov.
Bromley Bay 100-1 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out and soon beaten, 13th of 14, well behind Don't Stop Me Now (10-3) at Musselburgh 2m 4f mrs nov hdl (4) gs.
Mamba (GER) 15-8fav (10-12) Chased leaders, effort over 2f out, soon chasing winner, no impression, 2nd of 10, 12l behind Brackenmoss (11-2) at Hexham 2m mrs nhf (6) hvy in Nov.
Dancing Dik 18-1 (10-7) Always towards rear, 9th of 16, 34l behind West With The Wind (10-12) at Doncaster 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gd in Dec.
